Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars forward Ahmed Musa has voiced strong concerns over the current state of Nigerian football, using the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup as a springboard for a call to action.
Musa, who has been following the tournament closely, expressed his admiration for the progress made by African clubs on the global stage but also issued a sobering reminder of the glaring gap between these teams and clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
“I have been following the FIFA Club World Cup and my focus has been on the African clubs in the tournament. Apart from the excitement, the tournament is a money-spinner for the African clubs,” Musa said.
Drawing comparisons, the former Leicester City and CSKA Moscow forward questioned whether Nigerian clubs are prepared to compete at such a high level.
“It’s a sober reflection if we compare the African clubs at the Club World Cup to our domestic league, the Nigeria Premier Football League,” he noted. “Can we compete at this level? What are we not getting right?”
Musa called for a review of the league's organisation, club structure, and funding, urging stakeholders to prioritise policy reforms and long-term planning.
“The NPFL is not lacking in potential; our football has an abundance of talent from the grassroots to the elite level. But these factors aren't enough in a modern football system,” he warned.
He also raised questions about Nigeria’s representation in officiating at the continental and global levels, asking: “What about the referees and officiating? Other African countries are producing referees for CAF and FIFA tournaments, but what do we have here?”
Calling for unity and commitment, Musa concluded, “We must work hard to ensure our football meets global standards and organisation. We must collectively decide to make our football work, which will ensure that our clubs compete at the continental and world level.”
He rounded off by extending best wishes to the African clubs participating in the tournament.
“Wishing all the African countries at the FIFA Club World Cup success,” he said.
0 Comments